• 2004 GARAGE CONVERSION

    By Guest on 25th Jun 2016

    I had an attached garage converted in approximately 2004 for use as a dining/storage/spare room. I was told by the builder I didnt need planning permission or building regs as it was an existing building. I double checked with the local council who also advised me it wasnt necessary either. I have received a letter from my local planning and building regulations dept completely out of the blue saying they have received a report of my conversion and that I need to apply for building regulations permission.I suspect this has come from a malicious next door neighbour. My question is it resonable to be asked to do this now after such a long time and particularly as I was told by the planning dept that I didnt need to apply for any approval

  • 4 Answers

    By Guest on 26/06/2016

    Hello,

    If the planning department told you that you didn't need consent then a) they were correct; but b) that isn't relevant to building regulations.

    There is no time limit for the local authority to obtain an injunction to stop you using the converted garage. They do have to satisfy a court that it is reasonable however and this power to apply for an injunction is rarely, if ever, used. Speak to the council and explain what was done and when and ask them to confirm in writing why they consider it to be in the public interest to force you to apply for retrospective approval. If they insist though then you should probably comply

  • By Guest on 26/06/2016

    Thank you so much for your reply it was very helpful.

    I am concerned as to why I have received this notice do you know if it would have been received in this manner if it was as a result of a search on the property as my house is in the process of being sold. If that was the case I thought that the notice would have come via a solicitor. My suspicions are that it is the action of a very vindictive neighbour which is why I am moving house. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

  • By Guest on 26/06/2016

    It's quite possible that yours or your buyer's solicitor has contacted the council to query whether approval was obtained and this has triggered the council to contact you. Ask your solicitor, he/she will be able to tell you, possibly after making some enquiries

  • By Guest on 26/06/2016

    Thank you once again it has been very reassuring as its difficult when things happen over a weekend to contact the solicitor. Thank you

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